Here we have a simply beautiful, fully restored, gentleman’s 18ct vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ dress watch from 1959. This is Rolex model ref 1503, with the Cal. 1570 Certified Chronometer Grade (highly accurate and highly reliable) automatic movement. With a slightly rarer white dial, with the date function, this is a highly elegant Rolex which is in immaculate condition.

The Dial

This is the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual dial of the late 1950s and 1960s which is beautifully clean and simple. The rarer pure white background contrasts wonderfully with the applied gold batons and original ‘stick’ hands. The lens has been replaced with a new Rolex original and so this is completely clear and unmarked. This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers which are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The watch carries its original very high grade ‘Superlative Chronometer’ Calibre 1570, 26 Jewel automatic movement which is in sparklingly clean condition. The movement has been fully overhauled which involves fully dismantling, ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts as required, only with new originals, then careful reassembly and oiling ready for final testing and careful calibration. The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +7 seconds per day and is now ready for many more years of reliable service. This movement has a 48 hours power reserve when fully wound.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, and ‘TWENTY SIX JEWELS’ with the Calibre number 1570 and the reference number D48505. These Chronometer grade movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for evening wear and everyday use. This particular movement is in superb A1 condition and with regular servicing, every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more years to come! We are pleased to offer a 12 months warranty on this watch movement*.

*Note – The 12 month warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

The case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the original Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case, case-back and fluted bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch case has seen only very light use and has been very well cared for so following close inspection, the case has simply been gently hand-polished, to bring the watch to almost new condition once more. The outside of the case-back, importantly, has never been engraved and equally importantly, it is of its original thickness.

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex Geneva Swiss made case. It is signed MONTRES ROLEX S.A, GENEVA SWITZERLAND, with the correct Swiss hallmarks for 18ct gold, along with the model number 1503. The model number can also be clearly found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 12 o’clock. The case serial number 1,265,838 which is very clear, is found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 o’clock and dates the watch to 1959.

The case has the screw-down Rolex Oyster crown and screw-down case-back, each complete with new rubber seals. Although this watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed.

Note – As ever, our standard advice applies, vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality Brown leather strap has been fitted, along with a matching gold plated Rolex buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours of strap, from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 19mm straps if you wish, here.

The Box and Papers

Although there are are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1959. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months Warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The matching Rolex Oyster inner and outer presentation boxes as shown in the photographs are included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a late 1950s vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel excellent examples such as this, are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.

A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very best quality watches we can find before restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well known stores in West London which are very successful, charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept Paypal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you choose to pay by UK bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Please contact us to reserve the watch and request our bank details.

Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please note we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will be happy to Service, Repair, or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.

We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will also be very happy to hear from you. We await your call!